Filter for vehicle exhaust system

ABSTRACT

A vehicle exhaust system includes a catalytic converter connected to an exhaust pipe. An exhaust filter is connected to the exhaust pipe downstream from the catalytic converter. The exhaust filter is a charcoal filter that filters particulates from the air flow in the exhaust pipe. The exhaust filter is threadingly engaged with the exhaust pipe and is disposable.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to U.S. Pat. No. 7,877,989, which issuedon Feb. 1, 2011, by the same inventor, the contents of which areincorporated by reference as though full set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to reducing the amount of pollutantsexpelled by a vehicle.

2. Description of the Related Art

It is well-known that vehicles powered by an internal combustion enginegenerate pollutants that are expelled through its exhaust system. It isuseful to decrease the amount of pollutants expelled by the vehiclebecause of the negative environmental and health effects associated withthem. The pollutants can be of many different types, such as gaseouscarbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, as well as solidparticulate matter. Carbon monoxide is known to be a poisonous gas andhydrocarbons are known to include carcinogens, as well asphotochemically active chemicals that cause the formation of ozone andsmog. Further, nitrogen oxides are known to cause the formation of smogand acid rain. Solid particulate matter generally includes soot andhydrocarbons from uncombusted fuel, which can damage the lungs wheninhaled.

Most vehicles include a catalytic converter to reduce the amount ofpollutants expelled. The catalytic converter is included with thevehicle exhaust system and converts pollutants generated by the engineto less harmful chemical species. For example, the catalytic converteris effective at converting the pollutants to carbon dioxide, water andnitrogen. However, it is desirable to further reduce the amount ofpollutants expelled by the vehicle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention involves a vehicle engine which flows vehicleexhaust through a vehicle exhaust system. The vehicle exhaust systemincludes a catalytic converter operatively coupled with the vehicleengine. The catalytic converter receives engine exhaust from the vehicleengine and outputs a converter exhaust. In accordance with theinvention, a charcoal exhaust filter is coupled with the catalyticconverter and receives the converter exhaust. The charcoal exhaustfilter filters pollutants from the converter exhaust and outputs afilter exhaust. The filter exhaust includes fewer pollutants than theconverter exhaust and the converter exhaust includes fewer pollutantsthan the engine exhaust. In this way, the catalytic converter andcharcoal exhaust filter reduce the amount of pollutants expelled by thevehicle.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle operatively coupled witha vehicle exhaust system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle with a vehicle exhaust systemoperatively coupled with a vehicle engine, in accordance with theinvention.

FIGS. 3 a and 3 b are perspective and plan views, respectively, of oneembodiment of an exhaust filter, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are exploded views of embodiments of an exhaust filtermember, in accordance with the invention, included with FIGS. 3 a and 3b.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b are plan views of a screen and flow diverter,respectively, included with the exhaust filter members of FIGS. 4 a and4 b.

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b are exploded perspective views of two embodiments ofan exhaust filter member, in accordance with the invention, which can beincluded with the exhaust filter of FIGS. 3 a and 3 b.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of an exhaust filter, inaccordance with the invention, threadingly engaged with an exhaust pipe.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are perspective and plan views, respectively, ofanother embodiment of an exhaust filter, in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 9 a is an exploded perspective view of an exhaust hollow bodymember included with the exhaust filter of FIGS. 8 a and 8 b.

FIG. 9 b is an exploded perspective view of an exhaust filter memberincluded with the exhaust filter of FIGS. 8 a and 8 b.

FIG. 9 c is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of anexhaust filter member which can be included with the exhaust filter ofFIGS. 8 a and 8 b.

FIG. 9 d is a perspective view of a screen and gas flow diverter formedas a single integral piece, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 e is an exploded perspective view of an exhaust hollow bodymember included with the exhaust filter of FIGS. 8 a and 8 b.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are perspective and plan views, respectively, ofanother embodiment of an exhaust filter, in accordance with theinvention.

FIG. 11 a is a flowchart of a method of installing a charcoal exhaustfilter, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 11 b is a flowchart of a method of reducing the amount of pollutionexpelled by a vehicle, in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of a vehicle 100 having a vehicleengine (not shown) operatively coupled with a vehicle exhaust system101. Vehicle 100 can be of many different types, such as those in whichthe vehicle engine is an internal combustion engine. However, it shouldbe noted that vehicle 100 can include other types of engines, such as ahybrid engine. A hybrid engine provides power from batteries and aninternal combustion engine. Vehicles powered by batteries and aninternal combustion engine are often referred to as “hybrid vehicles”.

In accordance with the invention, vehicle exhaust system 101 includes anexhaust filter 108 connected to an exhaust pipe 109. Exhaust filter 108receives pollutants from the vehicle engine in an engine exhaust gas andfilters them before they are ejected through exhaust pipe 109. In thisway, the amount of pollutants ejected by vehicle 100 is reduced.

In accordance with the invention, exhaust filter 108 uses a solid as thefiltering agent. The solid filtering agent can be of many differenttypes, such as rocks and/or charcoal. The rocks can be of many differenttypes, such as lava rocks. The charcoal is typically activated charcoalbecause activated charcoal provides better pollution filtering thanunactivated charcoal. Activated charcoal is charcoal that has beentreated with oxygen to make it more porous. The charcoal can be treatedin many different ways, such as by using physical reactivation and/orchemical activation.

There are many different types of activated charcoal that can be used inexhaust filter 108. For example, granulated activated carbon (GAC) isactivated charcoal which includes a relatively larger particle sizecompared to powdered activated carbon and consequently, presents asmaller external surface. Powdered activated carbon (PAC) is activatedcharcoal which includes powders or fine granules less than about 1.0millimeter (mm) in size with an average diameter between about 0.15 mmand 0.25 mm. Pelleted activated carbon is activated charcoal whichincludes extruded and cylindrically shaped activated carbon withdiameters from about 0.8 mm to 5 mm. The carbon included with thecharcoal can be impregnated with inorganic elements to increase theabsorption of hydrogen sulfide and mercaptans in the engine exhaust gas.Examples of inorganic elements include iodine and silver, as well ascations, such as aluminum, manganese, and zinc.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of vehicle 100 with vehicle exhaust system101 operatively coupled with a vehicle engine 111. Vehicle exhaustsystem 101 is operatively coupled to vehicle engine 111 so that theengine exhaust gas generated from the operation of vehicle engine 111flows through it. In this embodiment, vehicle exhaust system 101includes an exhaust pipe 103 which connects a catalytic converter 104 tovehicle engine 111, so that engine exhaust 102 can flow therebetween.Catalytic converter 104 is connected to exhaust filter 108 through anexhaust pipe 107, so that a converter exhaust 106 can flow therebetween.Further, exhaust pipe 109 is connected to exhaust filter 108 (FIG. 1),so that filter exhaust 110 is expelled by vehicle 100. Exhaust filter108 is connected to catalytic converter 104 downstream from it so thatthe engine exhaust gas flows from vehicle engine 111 to catalyticconverter 104 through exhaust pipe 103, from catalytic converter 104 toexhaust filter 108 through exhaust pipe 107, and is expelled fromexhaust filter 108 through exhaust pipe 109. In this embodiment, exhaustpipe 107 includes a cooling vent 105, which cools the exhaust gas as itflows through exhaust pipe 107. In this way, the exhaust gas is cooledas it flows between catalytic converter 104 and exhaust filter 108.

Exhaust pipe 107 can have many different configurations. For example, asindicated by a substitution arrow 112, exhaust pipe 107 can includeexhaust pipe portions 107 a and 107 b with an exhaust loop portion 113connected therebetween. In this embodiment, a flow rate adjuster 114 iscoupled with exhaust loop portion 113 so it can adjust the flow rate ofconverter exhaust 106. In particular, flow rate adjuster 114 increasesthe flow of converter exhaust 106 to counteract the restriction of thisflow rate by exhaust filter 108. Hence, a portion 106 a of converterexhaust 106 flowing through exhaust pipe 107 a has a smaller flow ratethan a portion 106 b of converter exhaust 106 flowing through exhaustpipe 107 b. Flow rate adjuster 114 can be of many different types, suchas a turbo fan.

A catalytic converter generally includes an autocatalyst, which is asubstrate coated with a metal catalyst. The substrate is often a ceramicor metal block through which a honeycomb of channels extend. Thechannels can be coated with support materials to increase their surfacearea. The metal catalyst is generally platinum, but it can be othermetal catalysts, such as palladium and rhodium. The autocatalyst istypically encased in a stainless steel housing and coupled to exhaustpipe 103 proximate to vehicle engine 111. The autocatalyst is known toreduce the negative effects of pollution in the exhaust gas. Theautocatalyst reduces the negative effects of the pollution in manydifferent ways, such as by oxidizing or reducing the pollutants to lessharmful chemical species, such as carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen.Carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen are not as harmful as carbonmonoxide, hydrocarbons, or nitrous oxide. However, it is also generallydesirable to reduce the amount of these less harmful chemical speciesexpelled by vehicle 100, as well as others, such as hydrogen sulfide.Further, it is also desirable to filter the pollutants that are notconverted by catalytic converter 104. As discussed in more detail below,exhaust filter 108 reduces the amount of these less harmful chemicalspecies expelled by vehicle 100 and filters pollutants that are notconverted by catalytic converter 104.

In operation, catalytic converter 104 converts the chemical species inengine exhaust 102 to the less harmful pollutants, as discussed above,and expels a converter exhaust 106. Hence, converter exhaust 106corresponds to engine exhaust 102 with a first amount of pollutantsremoved from it. Converter exhaust 106 is cooled by cooling vent 105 asit flows through exhaust pipe 107 to exhaust filter 108. Exhaust filter108 receives converter exhaust 106 and filters and expels it throughexhaust pipe 109 as filter exhaust 110. Filter exhaust 110 correspondsto converter exhaust 106 with a second amount of pollutants removed fromit. In this way, catalytic converter 104 receives engine exhaust 102 andremoves a first amount of pollutants from it and filter 108 receivesconverter exhaust 106 and removes a second amount of pollutants from it.

It should be noted that the amount of pollutants expelled by vehicle 100can be further reduced. For example, a portion of converter exhaust 106flowing through exhaust filter 108 can be flowed to an air intake (notshown) of vehicle engine 111. The portion of converter exhaust 106flowed to the air intake goes through the combustion process againinstead of being expelled through exhaust pipe 109. A portion ofconverter exhaust 106 can be flowed to the air intake of vehicle engine111 in many different ways. In this embodiment, an exhaust pipe 115 isconnected between exhaust filter 108 and vehicle engine 111 so that anexhaust gas 119 is flowed to the air intake. In this way, exhaust gas119 is reused by engine 111 in the combustion process instead of beingexpelled through exhaust pipe 109. It should be noted that exhaustfilter 108 can have many different configurations, one of which will bediscussed in more detail presently.

FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of one embodiment of exhaust filter 108,in accordance with the invention. Filter 108 can have many differentshapes, but here it is cylindrical. In this embodiment, exhaust filter108 includes a filter member 120 a, as well as a heat dissipation member120 b. Filter member 120 a includes a solid filtering agent and heatdissipation member 120 b includes a heat dissipation material. Heatdissipation member 120 b is positioned between two filter members 120 aor between one filter member 120 a and exhaust pipe 109. Filter member120 a is positioned between two heat dissipation members 120 b orbetween one heat dissipation member 120 b and exhaust pipe 107. In thisway, exhaust filter 108 includes alternating filter and heat dissipationmembers positioned between exhaust pipes 107 and 109. The filter andheat dissipation members filter and cool the exhaust gas as it flowsthrough exhaust filter 108.

It should be noted that, in this embodiment, filter members 120 a andheat dissipation members 120 b are removeable from exhaust filter 108,so that they are disposable and replaceable. This is useful so that theycan be replaced as their filtering and heat dissipation abilitiesdiminish, which generally occurs with use. In other embodiments,however, filter members 120 a and heat dissipation members 120 b are asingle integrated piece.

In operation, converter exhaust 106 flows through exhaust pipe 107 andinto filter member 120 a where it is filtered by the solid filteringagent included therein. Converter exhaust 106 then flows through heatdissipation member 120 b where it is cooled by the heat dissipationmaterial include therein. Converter exhaust 106 continues to flowthrough alternating members 120 a and 120 b, as described above, whereit is alternately filtered and cooled. Hence, the engine exhaust gasalternates between being filtered and cooled until it flows into exhaustpipe 109 and is expelled by vehicle 100. It should be noted that exhaustfilter 108 can have many other configurations, one of which will bediscussed in more detail presently.

FIG. 3 b is a plan view of another embodiment of exhaust filter 108, inaccordance with the invention. In this embodiment, exhaust filter 108includes alternating exhaust filter and heat dissipation members 120 aand 120 b, as in FIG. 3 a. However, the alternating exhaust and heatdissipation members 120 a and 120 b are positioned between hollow bodymembers 121 a and 121 b. In this way, exhaust pipe 107 is connected to ahollow body member at one end of exhaust filter 108 and exhaust pipe 109is connected to a hollow body member at an opposed end of exhaust filter108. Hollow body members 121 a and 121 b facilitate the connection ofexhaust filter 108 to exhaust pipes 107 and 109. In this embodiment,hollow body members 121 a and 121 b do not include a solid filteringagent or heat dissipation material.

FIG. 4 a is an exploded view of an exhaust filter member 130, inaccordance with the invention. In this embodiment, exhaust filter member130 includes a hollow body member 121 with central opening 122 extendingtherethrough. Exhaust filter member 130 includes a screen 123 apositioned at one end of central opening 122 and a screen 123 bpositioned at its opposed end. It should be noted that hollow bodymembers 121 a and 121 b discussed above are the same as hollow bodymember 121.

FIG. 5 a is a plan view of a screen 123, which is the same or similar toscreens 123 a and 123 b. In this embodiment, screen 123 includes anannular frame member 128 with a central opening covered with a mesh 124.Annular frame 128 can have many different shapes and dimensions, buthere it is circular. Mesh 124 includes openings which allow the engineexhaust gas to flow therethrough.

It should be noted that exhaust filter member 130 (FIG. 4 a) can be usedas filter member 120 a and/or heat dissipation member 120 b, which werediscussed in more detail above. When exhaust filter member 130 is usedas exhaust filter member 120 a, the solid filtering agent is positionedwithin opening 122 and held therein by screens 123 a and 123 b. Thesolid filtering agent can be of many different types, several of whichwere discussed above. The openings of mesh 124 are shaped anddimensioned to restrict the flow of the solid filtering agenttherethrough.

When exhaust filter member 130 is used as heat dissipation member 120 b,the heat dissipation material is positioned within opening 122 and heldtherein by screens 123 a and 123 b. The heat dissipation material can beof many different types, such as PYRON fibers provided by ZoltekCorporation of Abilene, Tex. The openings of mesh 124 are shaped anddimensioned to restrict the flow of the heat dissipation materialtherethrough.

FIG. 4 b is an exploded view of an exhaust filter member 131, inaccordance with the invention. In this embodiment, exhaust filter member131 includes hollow body member 121 with central opening 122. Exhaustfilter member 131 includes a flow diverter 125 positioned at one end ofcentral opening 122 and screen 123 positioned at the opposed end ofcentral opening 122. It should be noted that the exhaust gas flow isgenerally through central opening 122 from flow diverter 125 to screen123.

FIG. 5 b is a plan view of one embodiment of flow diverter 125. In thisembodiment, flow diverter 125 includes annular frame member 128 whichcarries a plate 126 with openings 127 extending therethrough. Plate 126can have many different shapes and dimensions, but here it is circularand is dimensioned to cover opening 122. Further, openings 127 can havemany different shapes and dimensions, but here they are circular witheach having a diameter d. The exhaust gas flow through plate 126increases as the number of openings 127 increases and the exhaust gasflow decreases as the number of openings decrease. Further, the exhaustgas flow through plate 126 increases as diameter d increases and theexhaust gas flow decreases as diameter d decreases. Diameter d is chosento restrict the flow of the solid filtering agent and heat dissipationmaterial through plate 126.

It should be noted that exhaust filter member 131 (FIG. 4 b) can be usedas filter members 120 a and/or heat dissipation member 120 b. Whenexhaust filter member 131 is used as filter member 120 a, the solidfiltering agent is positioned within opening 122 and held therein byscreen 123 and flow diverter 125. Openings 127 and the openings of mesh124 are shaped and dimensioned to restrict the flow of the solidfiltering agent therethrough.

When exhaust filter member 131 is used as heat dissipation member 120 b,the heat dissipation material is positioned within opening 122 and heldtherein by screen 123 and flow diverter 125. Openings 127 and theopenings of mesh 124 are shaped and dimensioned to restrict the flow ofthe heat dissipation material therethrough. It should be noted that,however, that openings 127 can be covered with a mesh, if desired.

It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, hollow body member121 can include a lip 135 which extends around the outer periphery ofopening 122, as shown by a substitution arrow 136. Lip 135 is shaped anddimensioned to receive annular frame member 128. Body 121 can alsoinclude a lip (not shown) positioned on the opposed end of body 121 toreceive the annular frame member of screens 123 and 123 a. In this way,flow diverter 125 and screens 123 and 123 a can be flush with body 121when they are coupled together.

FIG. 6 a is an exploded view of an exhaust filter member 133, inaccordance with the invention. It should be noted that exhaust filtermember 133 can be used as filter member 120 a and/or heat dissipationmember 120 b, as discussed above in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. In thisembodiment, exhaust filter member 133 includes hollow body member 121with central opening 122 extending therethrough. Screen 123 ispositioned at one end of central opening 122 and a flow diverter 140 ispositioned at its opposed end. In this embodiment, flow diverter 140includes an annular plate 141 with a central opening 145 covered by mesh124. Annular plate 141 blocks the flow of the exhaust gas so it isdiverted to flow through central opening 145 and mesh 124. It should benoted that the exhaust gas flow through body 121 is generally from flowdiverter 140 to screen 123.

FIG. 6 b is an exploded view of an exhaust filter member 134, inaccordance with the invention. It should be noted that exhaust filtermember 134 can be used as filter member 120 a and/or heat dissipationmember 120 b, as discussed above in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. In thisembodiment, exhaust filter member 134 includes hollow body member 121with central opening 122 extending therethrough. Screen 123 a ispositioned at one end of central opening 122 and a flow diverter 142 ispositioned at its opposed end. It should be noted that the exhaust gasflow is generally from flow diverter 142 to screen 123. In thisembodiment, flow diverter 142 includes screen 123 b and, in accordancewith the invention, a circular plate 143 is positioned on mesh 124 ofscreen 123 b to form an outer annular opening 146 between plate 143 andannular frame 128. Outer annular opening 146 is best seen in a side viewof flow diverter 142, as indicated by an indication arrow 144. Outerannular opening 146 is covered by mesh 124 of screen 123 b and plate 143diverts the flow of the exhaust gas to it.

It should be noted that exhaust filter 108 can be connected to exhaustpipes 107 and 109 in many different ways. For example, in someembodiments, exhaust filter 108 is welded to exhaust pipes 107 and/or109 and, in other embodiments, exhaust filter 108 and exhaust pipes 107and 109 are a single integral piece. In other embodiments, however,exhaust filter 108 is removeably coupled with exhaust pipes 107 and 109,as will be discussed presently.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an exhaust filter 108 which can be threadinglyengaged with exhaust pipe 107, in accordance with the invention. In thisembodiment, exhaust pipe 107 includes exhaust pipe portion 107 c andexhaust pipe portion 107 d. Exhaust filter 108 is connected to exhaustpipe portion 107 d, wherein exhaust pipe portion 107 d includes threads117 on its end opposed to filter 108. Exhaust pipe portion 107 cincludes threads 116, wherein threads 117 can be threadingly engagedwith threads 116. In this way, filter 108 is connected to exhaust pipe107 in a repeatably removeable manner.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are perspective and plan views, respectively, of anexhaust filter 160, in accordance with the invention, which can replaceexhaust filter 108. Exhaust filter 160 can be of many shapes, but hereit has a rectangular cross-section and defines a cubic volume. In thisembodiment, exhaust filter 160 includes hollow body members 151 a and151 e, with exhaust filter members 151 b, 151 c, and 151 d positionedbetween them. Hollow body member 151 a is attached to exhaust pipes 107and 109 at its opposed ends.

As best seen in FIG. 8 b, exhaust filter 160 includes exhaust flow paths161 and 162 which extend through members 151 a-151 e. Further, exhaustfilter 160 includes exhaust flow path 163 which extends through member151 e and connects exhaust flow paths 161 and 162 together. Exhaust flowpaths 161 and 162 are separated from each other by a sidewall 153 andthe flow of exhaust gas through paths 161 and 162 is in opposeddirections. Exhaust flow path 163 extends through an opening (not shown)in sidewall 153.

Exhaust pipe 107 is connected to the end of exhaust flow path 161opposed to exhaust flow path 163 and exhaust pipe 109 is connected tothe end of exhaust flow path 162 opposed to exhaust flow path 163. Inthis way, exhaust gas flowing through exhaust pipe 107 flows to exhaustflow path 163 through exhaust flow path 161. Further, the exhaust gasflowing through exhaust flow path 163 flows to exhaust pipe 109 throughexhaust flow path 162.

In accordance with the invention, filter members 151 b, 151 c and 151 dare alternating filter and heat dissipation members. Hence, the exhaustflow through exhaust flow paths 161 and 162 flow through alternatingfilter and heat dissipation regions. Members 151 a-151 e can have manydifferent configurations, several of which will be discussed in moredetail presently.

FIG. 9 a is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of hollowbody member 151 a, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment,hollow body member 151 a includes body member 152 with openings 154 and155 extending therethrough and separated from each other by sidewall153. It should be noted that openings 154 and 155 correspond to exhaustflow paths 161 and 162, respectively. Hollow body member 151 a includesa sidewall 158 which extends perpendicular to sidewall 153. Sidewall 158prevents exhaust gas flow through one end of openings 154 and 155. Itshould be noted that sidewall 158 and hollow body 152 are shown here asbeing separate pieces, but they can be a single integrated piece inother embodiments. As mentioned above, exhaust pipes 107 and 109 arepositioned on opposed ends of hollow body 152, and extend therethroughso they are in fluid communication with openings 154 and 155,respectively, as well as exhaust flow paths 161 and 162, respectively.

FIG. 9 b is an exploded perspective view of exhaust filter member 151,in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, exhaust filtermember 151 includes body member 152 with openings 154 and 155 extendingtherethrough and sidewall 153 positioned therebetween. Exhaust filtermember 151 includes a screen 150 positioned at one end of openings 154and 155 and a flow diverter 169 positioned at their opposed ends. Screen150 and flow diverter 169 are each single pieces which cover openings154 and 155. However, it should be noted that screen 150 can be replacedby a smaller screen that covers only opening 154 or 155. Further, flowdiverter 169 can be a smaller flow diverter that covers only opening 154or 155. Examples of embodiments of smaller screens and flow divertersare shown in FIG. 9 c.

Openings 154 and 155 of exhaust filter member 151 correspond to exhaustflow paths 161 and 162, respectively. Further, openings 154 and 155 ofexhaust filter member 151 are in fluid communication with openings 154and 155 of hollow body member 151 a. Sidewall 153 of exhaust filtermember 151 is engaged with sidewall 153 of hollow body member 151 a sothey form a single sidewall which restricts the flow of exhaust gasbetween exhaust flow paths 161 and 162.

In this embodiment, screen 150 includes a rectangular frame member 157which carries mesh 124. Further, flow diverter 169 includes arectangular frame member 164 which carries a diverter plate 165 withopenings 127 extending therethrough. It should be noted that body member152 can include lips (not shown), such as lip 135, for receiving screen150 and flow diverter 169.

It should also be noted that exhaust filter member 151 can be extendedto include additional openings in rectangular body 152, an example ofwhich is indicated in phantom and designated as opening 154 a. Anexhaust filter member that is extended to include additional openingswould generally include additional sidewalls separating the openings. Itshould be noted that the number of openings 154 and 155 included withhollow body member 151 a generally corresponds to the number of openings154 and 155 included with exhaust filter member 151. One such example ofan exhaust filter member that has been extended to include additionalopenings is shown in FIGS. 10 a and 10 b.

In accordance with the invention, exhaust filter member 151 can includethe solid filtering agent and/or the heat dissipation material. Forexample, in one embodiment, the solid filtering agent is positioned inopenings 154 and 155 and held therein by screen 150 and flow diverter169. In this way, exhaust filter member 151 operates as an exhaustfilter. In another embodiment, the heat dissipation material ispositioned in openings 154 and 155 and held therein by screen 150 andflow diverter 169. In this way, exhaust filter member 151 operates as aheat dissipation member. It should be noted that the solid filteringagent can be positioned in opening 154 and the heat dissipation materialcan be positioned in opening 155. Further, the solid filtering agent canbe positioned in opening 155 and the heat dissipation material can bepositioned in opening 154. In this way, exhaust filter member 151operates as both a filter and heat dissipation member.

FIG. 9 c is an exploded perspective view of an exhaust filter member156, in accordance with the invention, which includes smaller screensand flow diverters. In this embodiment, exhaust filter member 156includes a flow diverter 184 that includes a square frame 181 whichcarries a square plate 185 with openings 127 extending therethrough.Further, exhaust filter member 156 also includes a square screen 183with a square frame 182 which carries mesh 124.

In this embodiment, screen 183 and flow diverter 184 can be positionedin many ways. For example, flow diverter 184 is engaged with screen 183and positioned at one end of openings 154 and 155. Further, another oneof flow diverter 184 is engaged with another one of screen 183 and theyare positioned at the opposed end of openings 154 and 155. In thisparticular embodiment, screen 183 faces flow diverter 184 at opposedends of openings 154 and 155. It should be noted that screen 183 andflow diverter 184 can be connected together so they form a singleintegral piece, as shown in FIG. 9 d.

FIG. 9 e is an exploded perspective view of hollow body member 151 e, inaccordance with the invention. In this embodiment, hollow body member151 e includes hollow body 152 with openings 154 and 155 extendingtherethrough and separated from each other by sidewall 153. Openings 154and 155 correspond to exhaust flow paths 161 and 162, respectively.Sidewall 153 includes an opening 159 so that openings 154 and 155 are influid communication with each other and opening 159 corresponds toexhaust flow path 163. Hollow body member 151 e includes sidewall 158positioned at one end of openings 154 and 155. Sidewall 158 extendsperpendicular to sidewall 153 and prevents exhaust gas flow through oneend of openings 154 and 155. It should be noted that sidewall 158 andhollow body 152 are shown here as being separate pieces, but they can bea single integrated piece in other embodiments. It should be noted thatthe number of openings 154 and 155 included with hollow body member 151e generally corresponds to the number of openings 154 and 155 includedwith exhaust filter member 151.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are perspective and plan views, respectively, of afilter 190, in accordance with the invention, which can replace exhaustfilter 108. In this embodiment, filter 190 has been extended to includeadditional openings, as denoted by rectangular bodies 152 a and 152 b,wherein bodies 152 a and 152 b are the same as rectangular body 152, butwith a common sidewall. In this embodiment, exhaust pipe 107 extendsthrough sidewall 158 and is in fluid communication with exhaust flowpath 161 a. Exhaust flow path 163 a extends through sidewall 153 a so itconnects exhaust flow path 161 a to exhaust flow path 162 a. It shouldbe noted that exhaust flow paths 161 a, 162 a and 163 a correspond toexhaust flow paths 161, 162 and 163, respectively, of FIG. 8 b.

An exhaust flow path 163 c extends from the end of exhaust flow path 162a opposed to exhaust flow path 163 a and into rectangular body 152 b,where it is in fluid communication with an exhaust flow path 161 b.Exhaust flow path 161 b extends through members 151 a-151 e of body 152b, where it is in fluid communication with an exhaust flow path 163 b.Exhaust flow path 163 b extends through a sidewall 153 b of rectangularbody 152 b and connects exhaust flow path 161 b to an exhaust flow path162 b. Exhaust flow path 162 b extends through members 151 a-151 e whereit connects to an exhaust flow path 163 d. Exhaust flow path 163 dextends from the end of exhaust flow path 162 b opposed to exhaust flowpath 163 b to an exhaust flow path 161 c. Exhaust flow path 161 cextends through members 151 a-151 e where it connects to exhaust pipe109. Exhaust pipe 109 extends through sidewall 158 and is in fluidcommunication with exhaust flow path 161 c.

Exhaust filter 190 can operate as a filtering and heat dissipationelement in many different ways. In one embodiment, the solid filteringagent is positioned along exhaust flow paths 161 a, 161 b and 161 c andthe heat dissipation material is positioned along exhaust flow paths 162a and 162 b. In another embodiment, the heat dissipation material ispositioned along exhaust flow paths 161 a, 161 b and 161 c and the solidfiltering agent is positioned along exhaust flow paths 162 a and 162 b.

FIG. 11 a is a flowchart of a method 200 of installing an exhaustfilter, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, method 200includes a step 201 of providing a vehicle with a vehicle exhaust systemand a method 202 of installing the exhaust filter with the vehicleexhaust system. The exhaust filter is coupled with the vehicle exhaustsystem so that it filters pollutants from exhaust gas generated from theoperation of the vehicle. In some embodiments, method 200 includesreplacing disposable filter members and heat dissipation membersincluded with the exhaust filter. In some embodiments, the exhaustfilter includes charcoal so that it is a charcoal filter.

FIG. 11 b is a flowchart of a method 210 of reducing the amount ofpollution expelled by a vehicle, in accordance with the invention. Inthis embodiment, method 210 includes a step 211 of providing a vehiclehaving an engine coupled with a vehicle exhaust system. The vehicleexhaust system receives exhaust gas from the vehicle and expels it. Inaccordance with the invention, the vehicle exhaust system includes anexhaust filter in fluid communication with the vehicle engine through acatalytic converter. Method 210 includes a step 212 of operating thevehicle engine so that an engine exhaust gas flows to the catalyticconverter. The catalytic converter converts the pollutants included withthe vehicle exhaust gas to another chemical species and outputs aconverter exhaust. Method 210 includes a step 213 of receiving theconverter exhaust with the exhaust filter and outputting a filterexhaust. The filter exhaust includes fewer pollutants than the converterexhaust. In some embodiments, method 210 includes a step of flowing aportion of the converted exhaust to the vehicle engine so that it isused in the combustion process again.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary andnumerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readilyenvisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which areintended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A vehicle exhaust system, comprising: an exhaust pipe; a catalyticconverter connected to the exhaust pipe; and a filter connected to theexhaust pipe downstream from the catalytic converter.
 2. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the filter is a charcoal filter.
 3. The system of claim1, wherein the filter is threaded with the exhaust pipe.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein the filter includes two heat resistant materialregions spaced from each other by a charcoal filter region.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the filter includes first and second exhaustflow paths, the first and second exhaust flow paths being in opposeddirections.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter includes filterand heat dissipation members.
 7. A vehicle exhaust system, comprising: acatalytic converter; a disposable filter an exhaust pipe connectedbetween the catalytic converter and disposable filter, the disposablefilter filtering exhaust from the catalytic converter.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the filter includes charcoal.
 9. The system of claim 8,wherein the charcoal is activated charcoal.
 10. The system of claim 7,wherein the filter is threadingly engaged with the exhaust pipe.
 11. Thesystem of claim 7, wherein the filter includes two heat resistantmaterial regions spaced from each other by a charcoal filter region. 12.The system of claim 7, wherein the filter includes first and secondexhaust flow paths, the first and second exhaust flow paths being inopposed directions.
 13. The system of claim 7, wherein the filterincludes a flow diverter.
 14. A vehicle, comprising: a catalyticconverter which receives an engine exhaust from a vehicle engine; anexhaust filter which receives a converter exhaust from the catalyticconverter and filters it to provide a filter exhaust.
 15. The vehicle ofclaim 14, further including an exhaust pipe which flows a portion of theconverter exhaust to an air intake of the vehicle engine.
 16. Thevehicle of claim 14, wherein the catalytic converter removes a firstamount of particulates from the engine exhaust and the charcoal filterremoves a second amount of particulates from the converter exhaust. 17.The vehicle of claim 14, further including a flow rate adjuster whichadjusts the flow rate of the converter exhaust.
 18. The vehicle of claim14, wherein the charcoal filter is connected to the exhaust pipe in arepeatably removeable manner.
 19. The vehicle of claim 14, wherein theexhaust filter includes charcoal.
 20. The vehicle of claim 14, whereinthe charcoal filter includes alternating filter regions and heatdissipation material regions.